Lubricating system



Oct. 28, 1958 FUJI KOlKE LUBRICATING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 18, 1955 INV TNT OR Fig '1 u m/ff BY k J flab/"m5 K ATTORNEYS United States Patent LUBRICATIN G SYSTEM Fuji Koike, Nagoya, Japan, assignor to Nippon Sewing Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, a corporation of Japan This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved lubricating system and apparatus forming a part of the same; the invention being capable of advantageous use in numerous different associations but being ideally suited for employment in connection with sewing machines.

It is a primary object to furnish an apparatus which may be substantially completely housed within the conventional encasing structure of a sewing machine and which so disposed will effectively lubricate the operating elements of the latter under the control of the operator.

A further object is that of furnishing a unit of this type which may readily be operated to assure an adequate discharge of lubricant to desired stations under proper pressure conditions.

Moreover, the apparatus may readily be mounted in association with an assembly such as a sewing machine or otherwise and when so mounted will be capable of being filled, adjusted or otherwise serviced with the expenditure of minimum effort and time.

Still another object is that of providing a unit of this type which will include relatively few parts, each individually simple and rugged in construction, and capable of manufacture at nominal cost; the mechanism functioning over long periods of time with freedom from all defects.

With these and other objects in mind reference is had to the attached sheet of drawings illustrating one practical embodiment of the invention and in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a sewing ma chine illustrating a lubricating system and unit in association therewith;

Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of the unit in enlarged scale;

Fig. 3 is a sectional top plane view taken along the line 33 in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 2 and with certain of the structure broken away to disclose underlying units; and

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the body of the assembly in a different position.

Referring primarily to Fig. 1, the numeral 5 indicates the casing or housing structure for a sewing machine mechanism, which in the usual manner, involves at one end a head 6 and may at the other end mount a wheel 7. A strap 8 is conveniently secured to extend within the housing 5 and supports a lubricating unit generally indicated in this view by the reference numeral 9. Extending from that unit may be lines such as 10 which are coupled conveniently to a T-head 11 secured to the unit. These lines have their outer ends overlying or in direct contact with parts of the mechanism to be lubricatedl The foregoing is merely illustrative. It is apparent that the sewing machine might take one of numerous different forms. Likewise the mechanism hereinafter described might be used in associations other than sewing machines. Therefore, except where otherwise limited in the appended claims, the foregoing is to be taken in an illustrative rather than a specific sense.

In Figs. 2, 3, and 4 the mechanism of the lubricatingunit has been shown in detailed and preferred embodiment. It conveniently includes a cup-shaped body 12 providing a reservoir and which may have protuberances 13 extending from its lower face into openings formed in strap 8. These protuberances are furnished with threaded recesses to receive bolts 14 which may mount washers underlying the strap. In this manner body 12 is supported against displacement. Other types of mounting may obviously be employed.

The fitting 11 is provided with a bore and a valve seat 15. That seat is engaged by a valve body 16. The latter is supported by a stem 17 extending axially of cup 12. The upper end of the stem may be integral with or connected to a cross bar or spider 18. A spring 19, preferably of the coil type, has its base bearing against the inner face of body 12. Its opposite end exerts a thrust in an upward direction. As shown, seals including suitable washers and coupling elements may be provided to assure against leakage between the interior of body 12 and fitting 11, or any equivalent discharge conduit. A cover is furnished for cup 12. This conveniently takes the form of a resilient diaphragm 20 which may be formed with a concentric series of corrugations to enhance its flexibility. The outer edge of the diaphragm is secured in air tight relationship with respect to body 12. It supports upon its upper face an actuating member. That member may include an outer perforated cap 21 having threaded connection with a tube section 22 which is secured to the upper face of diaphragm 20 to encircle an opening formed in that member. Conveniently spider or strap 18 may be integral with tube section 22. The upper end of spring 19 acts against and urges the diaphragm in an upward direction.

Again, as illustrated, a suitable packing washer may be interposed between adjacent surfaces of cap 21 and tube 22 to assure against leakage. Valve 16 may be adjustably mounted upon stem 17 so that the effective distance between cap 21 and this valve may be varied according to the needs of any given installation. As shown, housing 5 is uninterrupted except for an opening which will permit the extension therethrough of cap 21. Obviously removable housing sections for servicing and general access might be utilized. Diaphragm 20 which serves as a cover for cup 12 is intended in the present illustration to be fixed against detachment from body 12. In other words, when once assembled the diaphragm remains permanently upon the cup. This again may obviously not be the case.

Considering the general operation of the device, it will be assumed that body 12 is properly supported and has received lubricating oil or its equivalent to a suitable depth. If the filling of the cup has just occurred through the bore defined by tube section 22, then cap 21 is, of course, replaced on that tube. With the distance between valve 16 and the cap properly adjusted that valve will bear firmly against seat 15 under the spring action which urges stem 17 and the valve body in an upward direction. Such action might, of course, be solely attributable to the resiliency of the diaphragm 20. It is preferred, however, to additionally employ spring 19 which will assure that suificient force is exerted.

Now if an operator wishes to assure a distribution of lubricant then, as in Fig. 4, the finger or thumb may be brought to bear against the upper surface of cap 21. So contacting this element the thumb will seal the vent in cap 21. Accordingly, as downward pressure is exerted, diaphragm 20 will be flexed inwardly. This: will increase the air pressure within cup 12. Simultaneously stem 17 will shift valve 16 away from its seat 15. Therefore, lubricant under pressure will be forced out of the tube or fitting 11 and distributed even to relatively remote points. Upon the release of pressure against cap 21, the parts will return to the normal position shown in Fig. 2. In that position flow of lubricant will be prevented until the operator again depreses cap 21.

Thus, among others, the several objects of'the invention as specifically a-forenoted are achieved. Obviously, numerous changes in construction and rearrangement of the parts may-be resorted to without departing froni'the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

l. A lubricating apparatus including a reservoir cup formed with an outlet opening adjacent which a sealing surface is provided, a valve cooperable withthat surface to prevent a flow of fluid past the same, a diaphragm mounted by said cup to close the latter, a vented fixture secured to said diaphragm and providing a finger-contacting element for the flexing of said diaphragm, the latter under such flexingca'using a disengagement of said valve from such surface and an increase of air pressure within said cup.

2. A lubricating apparatus including in combination a reservoir body formed with an; outlet in its lower surface, a valve bearing against such surface adjacent said outlet to control the flow of fluid therethrough, 21 diaphragm closing the upper face of said reservoir and formed with an opening, a vented cap assembly extending from the outer face of said diaphragm in line with said opening and means connecting said diaphragm with said valve.

3. In a lubricating apparatus according to claim 2, said connecting means comprising a stem extending axially throughsaid reservoir in line with said cap and valve.

4. In a lubricating apparatus as specified in claim 3 and a spring encircling said stern and interposed between the inner faces of said diaphragm andreservoir.

5. in combination a sewing machine casing having an upper surface formed with an opening, a cup-shaped body mounted within said' casing below said opening, means end attached to said valve structure and its upper end within the casing to support said body in a substantially horizontal position adjacent and below said opening, a flexible cover closing the upper end of said body and formed with an opening, a tube aflixed to said cover in line with its opening, said tube extending upwardly through and beyond the casing opening to provide a thrust member engageable to flex said cover, an outlet fitting connected to the base of said body in line with an opening therein, a valve structure controlling the flow of liquid through said fitting, a tube extending from said fitting to distribute liquid passing therethrough and means connecting said cover and valve structure to open the latter in response to a flexing of said cover.

6. In the combination as set forth in claim 5, a control 'facc providing a part of said valve structure and ned in the outlet fitting, the connecting means for said valve structure including a stem having its lower being connected to move with said cover.

7. A lubricating unit including a cup having 'an opening in its base, a valve structure movable to control a flow of liquid through such opening, a flexible cover closing the upper end of said cup, said cover being formed with an inlet opening for the introduction of liquid into the cup body, an operating means connected,

to said cover and valve structure to open the latter as said cover is flexed, a tube extending outwardly from and secured to said cover in line with the inlet opening thereof, said tube providing a thrust-transmitting member tor flex-ing said cover and a vented cap normally closing the outer end of said tube.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 518,823 Mc-Intyre Apr. 24, 1 894 1,393,034 Miller Got. 1l, 1 9 21 2,483,656 Marschalk Oct. -4, 1949 Lunkenheimer Dec. 1', I891 

